William Howard Kellum was born on 20 October 1926 in Eastland, TX. Bill received his elementary education in Sulphur Springs, TX, and El Dorado, AR. His high school education was at Haynesville, LA, where in recognition of good grades and citizenship, he was elected a member of the National Honor Society.

Bill was a much respected terror on high school football fields. He made All State two years and All Southern one year playing the position of end. Consider these excerpts from newspaper accounts of games in which he played. His courage and determination were as evident then as thev were to be years later when he was playing for higher stakes in Korea:

"...Kellum is a scrapper from whistle to gun...his fine competitive spirit is an inspiration to his teammates... in spite of the fact that opposing coaches have had their linemen double up on the lanky wingman. He has been a standout in every game with his jarring tackles, precision blocking, and fancy pass catching ......"

Although football was one of Bill's avocations, swimming was another sporting interest that he turned to profitable use; he served as manager and life guard of the Haynesville City Pool during high school days. He was also greatly interested in scouting, an interest that may have been given impetus by the action of a Boy Scout who saved him from death from gasoline fumes at the age of four by administering artificial respiration. Bill was also an active member of the First Baptist Church.

Bill's favorite fishing partner was his father, who continually encouraged him in his athletic and career ambitions. Bill was close to, and always considerate of his mother, never failing in the years he was away from home to call her on special occasions. He and his brother, Herman, now a doctor, were inseparable. His only and younger sister, Beth, was the recipient of much advice as well as special concern and protection. An age difference of 12 years was no barrier between Bill and his younger brother, Joe, whose active approach to life was so similar to Bill's. Thus did William H. Kellum's full boyhood prepare him for the responsibilities of manhood.

After finishing high school, Bill enlisted and served five months in the U.S. Navy in the closing months of World War II. While in the Navy, he won a Golden Gloves championship, evidence of his interest and competence in the 'manly art of self defense,' an interest which was to bring further laurels at West Point.

As a recipient of an appointment to the US Military Academy, Bill left the Navy to attend Louisiana State University where he found time amidst his West Point preparatory studies to be first string end on the football team and to win a second place medal in the ROTC boxing matches.

"Bill Kellum ... in his quiet, rather self-effacing, but uncompromising way ... had a depth of determination which would not allow him to play a secondary position even though to do otherwise he was forced to overcome a limited ... (physique by college standards). Bill's competitive urge had a ferocity of purpose which earned him the lasting respect of the troops both on the field and on the field of battle."

By graduation day on 6 June 1950, Bill was able to leave an enviable record behind him. Bill's football exploits have already been related. In boxing, he won many more bouts than he lost. Skinny for a heavyweight, Bill is still remembered at West Point and by classmates around the world for "cutting down to his size" ring opponents who outweighed him frequently by as much as 50 pounds. Herb Kroten, one of his boxing coaches, accounts for Bill's success (he went to the finals of the Eastern intercollegiate Championships one year and was elected co captain of the boxing team his First Class year) by recalling his willingness to "take on anything."

Athletics were not Bill's only interests at West Point. He was a member of the Fishing Club and Radio Club and ranked relatively high militarily. However. Bill is remembered by his classmates as much for his personality as for his more objective achievements. The Howitzer was indeed right in asserting that "Bill’s warm Southern personality and ready humor will be long remembered by the Class of '50."

"...He was assigned the mission of maintaining a combat outpost approximately 3,000 yards in front of the main line of resistance.... At the break of day, he could observe the enemy almost completely around his position. Realizing the threat to his security, he immediately began placing his men to meet the new threat... He ran from position to position, continually exposing himself to enemy fire, in order to encourage his men and direct the fire fight. When last seen, he was running toward the right flank of his platoon to direct that group of men who were then heavily engaged with the enemy .... "

"During his regiment's advance his platoon was the leading element .... With complete disregard for his safety Lieutenant Kellum exposed himself to a hail of withering fire in order to place his men in positions affording the maximum fire power and control. Moving far forward, he directed the effective fire of friendly artillery and mortars .... He then led an assault routing the enemy ... and permitting the continued advance of the regiment ......"

"...under these difficult conditions Bill was a model soldier. He resisted his captors' every effort to organize a mass indoctrination program in the officers' compound, and did more than his share of the work in helping his fellow prisoners to survive...."

In spite of a complete lack of care and only crackers and rice for food, Bill, by sheer determination. recovered from flu, only to incur the wrath of the Chinese for organizing the ambulatory soldiers at what was, in name only, the prison camp's hospital. Thrown into detention in a part of the 'hospital' from which no prisoners ever emerged alive, Bill reportedly died a hero’s death staunchly defending his convictions and the traditions of his Alma Mater and country. Fellow prisoners report that Bill's death occurred approximately 15 June 1951, a date which is more accurate than the year end date, 31 December 1951, presumed in AG official records.

In their tremendous and irreplaceable loss, Bill's surviving parents and brothers and sister were strengthened by a justifiable pride shared bv friends, classmates, and fellow officers in a man who died as he lived: courageous and true to his own high ideals, whatever the danger, whatever the personal sacrifice. Courage and Determination were the words by which William Howard Kellum lived, fought and died!

Medals, Awards & Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Burial

First Lieutenant William Howard Kellum is buried at Old Town Cemetery in Haynesville, Claiborne Parish, LA.

Some of the information in this bio was derived from Cullum Number 17975, USMA.